The Ultimate Guide to... GETTING ON THE LADDER, NEW HOMES AND SHARED OWNERSHIP
the Ultimate Guide to ... GETTING ON THE LADDER, NEW HOMES AND SHARED OWNERSHIP
April/May 2024 £4.99
rsttimebuyermag.com
WIN! A DENBY KILN DINNER SET FOR FOUR WORTH £276
HAPPY EASTER!
SAVE ON ENERGY COSTS
UP-AND-COMING REGENERATION SPOTS
HOW TO PLAN THE INTERIORS OF YOUR FIRST DREAM HOME
AFFORDABLE HOMES AROUND THE COUNTRY
“Keep a spreadsheet of your income and outgoings – it helps you forecast how much you can save”
Rosaline Darlington Florist and content creator
EDITOR’S LETTER
Welcome
EDITORIAL – 020 3488 7754
Editor-in-Chief SARAH GARRETT sarahg@spmgroup.co.uk
At this time of the year it is always uplifting to look forward to the new season, the warmer days ahead and the Easter break. It is also the time that many first time buyers make the big decision to get on to the property ladder. We are always advising first timers to consider the location of where they would like to move to. Looking at regeneration areas where money has been spent on the infrastructure of the town or city is always interesting, as buying in an up-and-
Editor LYNDA CLARK lynda@ rsttimebuyermag.co.uk Editorial Assistant and Head of Special Events KATIE WRIGHT
Editorial and Special Events Assistant SOPHIE MUNNERY
Creative Director RYAN BEAL
coming area has many advantages. Do go to pages 24-28 where we discover some real first time buyer hotspots in areas which have been regenerated and we highlight some homes that are really affordable too. Who can’t resist chocolate? With Easter approaching we have a round- up of the best Easter eggs available in the supermarkets (pages 78-79), which will certainly cater for any chocoholics – enjoy! The cost of living and the rise in energy prices has affected everyone – I think the feature on pages 34-35 which shows that new build homes are far more energy efficient will be of great interest. Anything to save money in these hard times! I hope you enjoy this issue which is packed with information and help when buying your first home – enjoy!
Sub Editor KAY HILL
Social Media KATIE WRIGHT, SOPHIE MUNNERY Contributors CHRIS CLARK, DEBBIE CLARK, KAY HILL, SOPHIE MUNNERY, LAURA DEAN- OSGOOD, CORALIE PHELAN, GINETTA VEDRICKAS, STEPHEN WARD, KATIE WRIGHT
ADVERTISING 020 3488 7754
Director of Advertising/Exhibition Sales LYNDA CLARK lynda@ rsttimebuyermag.co.uk Special Events KATIE WRIGHT – National Home Buying Week – First Time Buyer Readers’ Awards katie@ rsttimebuyermag.co.uk Accounts accounts@ultimateguidecompany.com Managing Director SARAH GARRETT sarahg@spmgroup.co.uk
Until next time, happy house hunting.
I am sure that many of you have heard about the sad new of TV presenter Jonnie Irwin’s passing. He was a great friend of mine and FTB – I have written a small piece in memory of him on page 9 and I do hope you will take the time to read it – thank you.
firsttimebuyeronline
@firsttimebuyermag
SUBSCRIPTIONS 020 3488 7754
SWITCHBOARD 020 3488 7754
EDITOR’S PICKS…
There’s been a huge rise in demand for shared ownership mortgages. comfortable level. Lisa Westerman, 20 Questions, page 106 Interest rates are starting to fall again to a more
Don’t whinge and moan but be positive in your outlook and de nitely make a plan and stick to it. Melissa Porter, At home with, page 14
All advertising copy for June/July 2024 must be received before 3 May 2024. Send all copy to: lynda@firsttimebuyermag.co.uk The content of this publication, either in whole or in part, may not be reproduced, stored in a data retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise, without prior permission from the publishers. Opinions expressed in First Time Buyer magazine are not necessarily those of the publishers. © The Ultimate Guide Company Ltd 2008-2024. The Ultimate Guide Company Ltd t/a First Time Buyer magazine will take no responsibility for any loss/claim resulting from a transaction with one of our advertisers/media partners.
One of the largest knock-on effects is that the longer the mortgage term, the older you will be when making the nal repayment. Charlotte Nixon, Finance, page 86
Having done some research, it seems like a hidden north London gem, which we’re excited about.
Phillip Wellard- Hughes, Agony Agent, page 90
Kat Pilcher, House Hunter, page 16
First Time Buyer April/May 2024 3
CONTENTS
APRIL/MAY 2024 / ISSUE 106 / FIRSTTIMEBUYERMAG.CO.UK
What’s in…
71 For sale – the best FTB properties
70 After being stuck in the rental trap for a very long time, James Frater was trying to save for a deposit. He discovered Horlicks Quarter in Slough, which he fell in love with and bought a one bedroom apartment. Now he loves everything about his new first home.
HOMEPAGE
Country , Countryfile and Get A New Life on the BBC. She is also a trained counsellor and life coach and has recently published a book, Mastering the Single Parent Game . She talks to Lynda Clark about buying her first home, her interesting career and has some excellent advice for first time buyers. 16 House Hunter We go on the hunt with Kat and Frankie Pilcher who are on the look out for their first home in north London, close to good public transport links.
FEATURED
18 Developer’s doctor Kevin Sims, Sales & Marketing Director at SO Resi, answers your property question. 20 The View: Rosaline Darlington Rosaline Darlington is best known for being on the most recent series of Married at First Sight on E4. She works as a florist and runs her own businesses, Rosaline’s Flowers and The Flower Paddock. She talks to Lynda Clark about her fascinating life, buying her first own home and gives some great advice for first time buyers. 24 Location Regeneration We always advise first time buyers to consider looking at regeneration areas which are “on the up”. Debbie Clark takes a look at some regeneration hotspots and highlights some ideal homes in these up-and-coming areas.
34 The new build effect Everyone has been affected by the high cost of energy bills, but did you know that buying a new build home could save you thousands of pounds a year in energy costs compared with owning an older property? We look at how it all adds up. 36 Watch this space Two entrepreneurs, Carla Longworth and her partner Tom Ingleton, have created an innovative and unique new product which will revolutionise bathrooms and make it easy to refurbish.
10 FTB Loves... Celebrate Easter in style with our round-up of our favourite hot buys. 12 Living Supermarkets have branched out selling some gorgeous home accessories. So why not update your interiors when doing the weekly shop? 14 At home with: Melissa Porter Television presenter Melissa has been on numerous shows including Escape to the
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4 First Time Buyer April/May 2024
CONTENTS
20 Rosaline Darlington
ROSALINE DARLINGTON, PAGE 20
I AM ALWAYS THINKING UP NEW WAYS TO
GROW THE BUSINESS AND LOOKING AHEAD TO WHAT I CAN DO EACH SEASON 48 Hotspot
88
REGULARS
We look at Bethnal Green as a place to live.
90 Agony Agent All your property questions answered by our panel of experts. 93 Buyer’s Guide Check out FTB’s Buyer’s Guide, which walks you through the property buying process.
56 Hotspot We look at Bermondsey as a place to live. 78 The bunny is back! Something for all the family – our choice of the best Easter eggs in the supermarkets now. 80 First home, first meal Chef and award-winning author Theo Michaels has created this recipe for a delicious all-in-one spaghetti and meatball traybake – perfect for all the family. 82 Jargon Busting The second part of what the jargon used when buying a home actually means. Stephen Ward, Director of Strategy and External Relations at The Council for Licensed Conveyancers, explains the terms you might come across. 86 Finance Mortgage terms are getting longer in a bid to make buying a home more affordable, but what are the implications? Kay Hill investigates. 88 Market Ginetta Vedrickas looks at the extra costs there might be when buying your first home.
77 Competition
Two lucky winners have the chance to win a Denby dinner set for four from the company’s Kiln Collection, worth £276
98 The conveyancing process for staircasing and resales Coralie Phelan, Partner and Head of New Build Homes at Prince Evans Solicitors LLP, explains how conveyancing works for resale purchases and staircasing. 100 Directory Check which scheme is right for you, plus useful contacts. 106 20 Questions We ask 20 quick-fire questions to a property expert and in this issue Lisa Westerman, Director of Lisa Westerman Consultancy and LWC Sales & Lettings, is in the spotlight.
First Time Buyer April/May 2024 5
LETTERS
Mailbox WRITE TO US!
Please send us your questions, comments and suggestions concerning property, or the articles in First Time Buyer magazine.
lynda@ rsttimebuyermag.co.uk
LIFETIME ISA I am currently looking at the best way to save up for a deposit to buy my first property. I have seen the Lifetime ISAs being mentioned a few times, but what is it and will it benefit me in my quest to gather my deposit? Sarah Brambert FTB says: A Lifetime ISA (Individual Savings Account) helps first time buyers save for their initial home purchase by offering a 25% Government bonus on savings, up to £1,000 per year. It allows tax-free growth on savings, with a maximum annual contribution of £4,000. Funds can be used towards a property costing £450,000 or less, as long as it’s purchased with a mortgage. While withdrawals are allowed at any time, penalties apply if not used for a qualifying reason, such as buying a first home. It’s a valuable option for those aiming to get together a deposit, but consulting a financial adviser is recommended to ensure it aligns with individual financial goals.
TWO YEARS OR FIVE YEARS? I am stuck between whether I should take out a two-year or a five-year mortgage on my first home. Do you have any advice about which to consider? Holly White FTB says: Deciding between a two-year or five-year mortgage really depends on factors like interest rate projections, budget stability and future plans. It isn’t something we can recommend either way as everyone needs to make their own choice based on their own judgement and advice.Two-year mortgages often offer lower initial rates, potentially saving money if rates are expected to rise, while five-year mortgages provide stability with fixed payments over a longer term.You also must consider any penalties for early repayment and how your future plans may impact your mortgage needs. Assessing your financial situation, risk tolerance and, probably most importantly, consulting with a mortgage adviser can help you make the right choice and, in this case, is the best thing you can do.
The Traitors took over our TVs earlier in the year; now this issue’s star letter prize winner can step into the gripping world of the popular BBC show in their own home with The Traitors Card Game. Absorb yourself in the ultimate test of trust and treachery! Each player is given a role, with one unlucky individual handed the poisoned chalice and tasked with secretly becoming The Traitor. Can you deceive your fellow players into believing that you are really one of the Faithful?
DISBURSEMENTS Having saved up a deposit I am now going through the conveyancing process. My conveyancer has mentioned something called disbursements but I’m not sure what they are or what they mean. Any help to save me the embarrassment of having to ask about them would be greatly appreciated! Mark Ruforch FTB says: Disbursements during the conveyancing process refer to the various expenses incurred by solicitors or conveyancers on behalf of their clients (in this case you) during the property transaction. These expenses are separate from the fees charged by the solicitor for their services
VISIT OUR WEBSITE For everything you need to know about buying for the rst time, go to rsttimebuyermag.com Even though it might seem embarrassing, do ask about the specifics of your deal. They should be more than happy to explain these costs to you. and typically include costs such as search fees, Land Registry fees, Stamp Duty, bank transfer fees and any other expenses related to obtaining information or documents necessary for completing the property transfer. Disbursements can vary depending on the specific requirements of the transaction and the location of the property.
Ideal for family gatherings, get-togethers and dinner parties, this entertaining game accommodates 4+ players aged eight and over. Traitors Card Game, £11.99, available on Amazon
EPC RATING While I know what an EPC rating is, I’m not sure as to why it is so important when considering buying my first property? I have been warned to keep away from any property with a low EPC rating, but why? Thomas Xi FTB says: An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating is vital information when purchasing your first home as it indicates the property’s energy efficiency, affecting your future
running costs, environmental impact, and potential property value. A higher EPC rating (A or B for example) suggests the home will have lower energy bills, reduced carbon emissions and potentially increased property value. Understanding the EPC rating helps you budget accurately, minimises environmental impact, and may save you money on future energy- efficient upgrades, making it an essential consideration in your homebuying process.
First Time Buyer April/May 2024 7
IN MEMORY
It is with great sadness that we have lost a legend – the wonderful Jonnie Irwin who passed away in February. He was a personal friend, part of the wider FTB team and loved by millions when he presented A Place in the Sun and Escape to the Country on television for so many years. Jonnie had such a spirit! He was incredibly brave and fought this horrible disease, cancer, until the end. He defied all the odds and amazed everyone when he bounced back time and time again. My memories of Jonnie are that we always laughed and had fun. I first met him when we did a feature about him way back then. I remember him sitting in the back of the photographer’s car as we drove to the location for the photoshoot and although we had never met before we just ‘clicked’. Some years later we visited his flat for another photo session and while making us a delicious cup of coffee he told us about how he was such a supporter of the Lord Taverners charity as he loved cricket but always fully supported their fund-raising events. Nothing fazed him – climbing mountains, skiing, trekking – he was up for it all! The lovely TV presenter Nicki Chapman had been the host of our Readers’ Awards for several years and we were coming up to the 2018 Awards when, a couple of weeks before the event, I received a call from Nicki to say she had a brain tumour (which thankfully she fully recovered from) and that she was unable to host. I sat there wondering what to do and decided to call Jonnie to see if, given the very short notice, he would step in. Of course Jonnie was there and what an incredible job he did. I will never forget the way he became a professional auctioneer when we raised money for our chosen charity.There was a BMX bike up for grabs and he happily rode it round the audience raising more and more money on the way. After that, Jonnie was most definitely part of the FTB dream team and from then on both Jonnie and Nicki hosted the Awards together, which was the perfect duo. On yet another occasion Jonnie was coming to do a Q&A session with me at one of our London Home Shows.Time was ticking on and I was getting very worried as to where he was. When he arrived with minutes to spare he was a very, very worried man. He had been scammed that morning and was beating himself up as to how stupid he had been.We told him it happens all the time and that these scammers are very, very clever. In typical Jonnie style he rose to the occasion and sat in front of the audience answering their questions and telling a few anecdotes along the way – brilliant as ever! Jonnie’s family were his world – he adored his incredible wife, Jess, and his three little boys more than anything. After Rex, his first son, they had twin boys, and I too, have twin boys, so we shared stories about their escapades and Jonnie’s face would always light up talking about them all. His passing has rocked the wider housing community who all loved him. Jonnie will always be in our hearts and our thoughts are with Jess, Rex, Rafa and Cormac and the rest of his family and friends at this very difficult time. IN MEMORY OF THE GREAT JONNIE IRWIN
RIP Jonnie
First Time Buyer April/May 2024 9
FTB LOVES
Easter decorations are fast becoming the norm, and after a dark winter, Easter is the perfect opportunity to introduce florals and pastels back into the home. Give the Easter bunny a run for their money with our top picks to make the four- day Easter weekend that bit egg-stra special! EASTER EGG STRAVAGANZA
Gingham Easter cake stand , £12, Talking Tables, talkingtables.co.uk
Bunny ears shape basket , £2.99, Home Bargains, home.bargains
Easter egg hunt party bundle , £18, Hobbycraft, hobbycraft.co.uk
Bunny egg dip plate , £2.99, Home Bargains, home.bargains
10 First Time Buyer April/May 2024
FTB LOVES
Hello spring mug , £4.50, B&M, bmstores.co.uk
Easter chocolate poem , £4.99, Home Bargains, home.bargains
First Time Buyer April/May 2024 11
Homepage LIVING
Why not pick up a new mirror with your milk? Supermarkets are no longer just somewhere to go when fridge supplies run low. From M&S to Asda, supermarkets are upping their interiors game so it has never been easier to pop a few new homeware items into your basket during the weekly shop SUPERMARKET SWEEP Modern glass cylinder vase , £9; abstract bedding set , from £17.50; striped outdoor bolster cushion , £17.50; Dome oor lamp , £45, Marks & Spencer
Green scalloped wave edge cushion , £10, George Home
Coral outdoor cushions – set of 2 , £25, Marks & Spencer
Shell vase , £12.50, Marks & Spencer
Jigsaw cushion , £12, George Home
Red strawberry rug , £12, George Home
La Vie est Belle bath mat , £10, George Home
Monochrome checkerboard Sherpa throw , £12, George Home Mango wood star large wall hanging , £22, Habitat
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Homepage LIVING
Summer Resort picnic tray , £14; picnic dinner plates – set of 4 , £15; table runner , £15; check cereal bowls – set of 4 , £15, Marks and Spencer
Fish vase , £14, Marks & Spencer
Cone base gin glass – set of 2 , £15, Marks & Spencer
Terracotta shade , £16, Habitat
Gold enamel tray , price TBC, Habitat
French slogan plates – set of 3 , £14, George Home
Geometric framed wall art , £30; mango wood large vase , £16; Eero oor lamp , £50, Morillo nest of 2 tables , £80, Habitat
Orange gloss table lamp , £20, Habitat
Luis rattan table lamp , £43, Habitat
Tortoiseshell vase , £18, Habitat
CONTACTS » Habitat (at Sainsbury's) habitat.co.uk » Marks & Spencer marksandspencer.com » Asda george.com
First Time Buyer April/May 2024 13
Homepage LIVING
Melissa is a television presenter and has been on numerous shows including Escape to the Country , Countryfile and Get A New Life on the BBC and Britain’s Dream Homes on Channel 4. She is also a trained counsellor and life coach and has recently published a book, Mastering the Single Parent Game. She talks to Lynda Clark about buying her first home, her fascinating life and has some good advice for first time buyers Photos: Jonathan Farber At home with: Melissa Porter
it. After six months I decided to put it on the market and made £90,000 from the sale. I gave the money my dad had given me back to him, and his response was, “Where’s the interest?” Unbelievable! FTB: What work where you doing at that time? MP: I was working as a marketeer for Kodak. They had set me a project, which ended up not taking off, but they wanted to rebrand disposable cameras from the existing model to be used for weddings. I was so disheartened when they dropped the idea and I decided to leave and set up my own company doing exactly what they had planned – selling disposable cameras for weddings. It was a huge success and meant that I could buy more properties in Streatham and renovate them and sell
which cost £137,000 and was all I could afford. I had watched my parents buy and sell properties all my life so I wasn’t afraid of being on a building site! I had to renovate it and I made some terrible mistakes along the way. It was a massive learning curve, especially when I knocked a wall down and the ceiling fell in because I hadn’t realised it needed an RSJ! I had a good job and a good salary and I paid for the renovations as and when I could afford
FTB: Tell us about your first step on the property ladder? MP: When I was 21 my father gave me £10,000 and told me to buy some new dresses. He was such a male chauvinist and very sexist too, so I decided to show him that I was made of stronger stuff than dresses and decided to invest the money in a house. I managed to get a mortgage and bought a three bedroom, mid-terrace house in Streatham Vale, south London,
“IT IS FAR BETTER TO LOOK AT UP-AND- COMING AREAS, WHERE THE PRICES ARE MORE AFFORDABLE, AND THEN ASPIRE TO MOVE ON AND UPWARDS”
14 First Time Buyer April/May 2024
Homepage LIVING
them on. Because of this, I had an excellent rapport with the local estate agents. I believe that if you are honest and ready to commit, they will treat you with respect and, instead of me calling them, they started to call me when a property came up that they thought I would be interested in. I had a great team of builders who I really looked after and it all worked very well. FTB: Where do you live now? MP: I live in my partner’s detached house, which he has lived in for 30 years. It is in the most beautiful location on a lake in Cheshire. It does need some TLC as it has been extended over the years and is rather higgledy-piggledy. We are going to make it a more cohesive home and make the rooms bigger and more open-plan. We have a formal dining room which we never use as I would rather be in the kitchen and chat to friends when they come over while I am cooking, so I use the room as a study. In fact, we really only use half of the house! I love doing renovations so it will be great fun. FTB: Tell us more about your career? MP: I worked as a marketeer for a property company in Knightsbridge called Home Search. I helped people relocate from abroad to live in London. It was a fun job and I pretty much had to do everything to settle them into their new lifestyle. My boss got a call from Brighter Pictures asking him if he knew anyone who could work on a new show they had lined up about helping people relocate to the UK. He told them he had the perfect girl and three weeks later I was filming for prime time TV on the show Get a New Life . That led on to many more shows, but eventually I really upset the directors because I seem to have a connection with people and they would tell me all their problems etc. The directors wanted to film these moments and I absolutely objected to this idea. It was very personal and I know they thought it would make great television seeing people upset, but it was very wrong. So I decided not to do any more TV work. I have always had a strong interest in counselling especially as I haven’t always had a very easy life. I left my partner and I brought up my son alone from the ages of two to 10 and my childhood was far from idyllic. I trained as a counsellor (BACP), as a life coach (CTI) and as a NLP practitioner. And I set up my counselling business to help people, which is amazing. FTB: What can you tell us about your new book? MP: Many people stay in relationships that aren’t working, but I left my partner and
“I MANAGED TO GET A MORTGAGE AND BOUGHT A THREE BEDROOM, MID-TERRACE HOUSE IN STREATHAM VALE, SOUTH LONDON, WHICH COST £137,000 AND WAS ALL I COULD AFFORD”
brought up my son as a single parent. It was hard at times, but he is 13 now and my new partner has just adopted him, which is marvellous. So, the book really came from my own personal experiences. FTB: What advice do you have for first time buyers? MP: Mortgages are not like they used to be, so it is difficult and you have to be creative unless you have the Bank of Mum and Dad or use the Government scheme,
shared ownership. When I worked in central London I always wanted to live in Kensington or Chelsea, but this was just a dream – it is far better to look at up-and- coming areas, where the prices are more affordable, and then aspire to move on and upwards. Don’t whinge and moan but be positive in your outlook and definitely make a plan and stick to it.
melissaportercoach.com @realandroarmelissaporter
First Time Buyer April/May 2024 15
Homepage FIRST RUNG
The HOUSE HUNTER This month FTB goes on the hunt with Kat and Frankie Pilcher who are on the lookout for their first home in north London
What we found…
THE LANDMARK PROJECT
THE OUT-OF-TOWN FEEL
Brent Terrace Brent Cross, north London
Harrow and Wealdstone Heights, north west London
Located in the heart of Harrow, with shops, restaurants, transport and parkland all within a few minutes’ walk, these new homes are all about convenience. The one and two bedroom apartments are set over 17 oors and are sleek and stylish, with smart, tted kitchens with integrated appliances and oor-to-ceiling windows in the lounge for optimum natural light. Though you have everything you need right on the doorstep, more shopping can be found in nearby Wembley, while lovely open countryside can be reached quickly by car.
The leafy borough of Barnet is home to this new collection of properties, which sits within what is set to become one of Europe’s largest regeneration projects. There will be around 7,000 homes here, plus open spaces, play areas, shops and health facilities, and great links into central London. These one, two and three bedroom apartments have been designed for modern living – the larger properties are arranged over two oors, with open-plan living areas opening to private gardens, two bathrooms and plenty of storage space.
PROFILE
Names Kat Pilcher, 28, and Frankie Pilcher, 32 Occupations Shop manager, trainee audiologist Maximum budget £250,000
Requirements A one or two bedroom apartment in the north London area with good commuter links to central London. Proximity to green spaces, cafe culture and convenient shopping facilities would be ideal
What they wanted…
Kat and I have been living in a shared house for a couple of years now, dreaming of – and saving towards – being able to buy our own place. We both work in central London, and love living in and going out in London, so we’d like to live within 30 minutes of the centre. Both of our families live north of London, so it makes sense to us to live in north London so they’re easier to get to. We’re pretty open to exactly whereabouts that may be, as we don’t have any particular ties to any area. We would like to be within walking distance of a tube or railway station. We also love getting out for a walk or run, and enjoying a long breakfast or lunch out, so having parks and good coffee shops and cafes close by would be ideal for us. We’ve saved hard and have a deposit of £30,000 which we believe will enable us to buy via shared ownership somewhere in the capital.”
originhousingsales.co.uk
lqhomes.com
*Based on a 25% share of the full market value of £455,000
*Based on a 25% share of the full market value of £325,000
What they thought…
Harrow isn’t too far from where we live at the moment, and what we like about the area is that in some places it can feel like it’s not really in London at all. Harrow on the Hill has such a pleasant country-town feel about it, and there are some really lovely parks in the area that would be great for weekend walks. Kat is a great artist and loves to draw and paint in her spare time – so the natural light ooding in from those big windows would be a seriously big bonus for us.”
We recently visited one of the brand new parks near Brent Cross, which had an amazing bakery and cafe, and we were really impressed with the regeneration in the area. This is a large project, with many community facilities. As well as health centres and shops, there seems to be a real focus on ensuring there’s enough green space for residents. The apartments look generously sized and the location is really good, with great access to roads and trains to the North. Very interesting food for thought.”
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Homepage FIRST RUNG
First choice!
THE BEST OF BOTH
THE CONVENIENCE KING
L&Q at Hayes Village Hillingdon, west London
SO Resi Whetstone Whetstone, north London
Homes are selling fast at this popular development in the north London suburb of Whetstone. The one and two bedroom apartments are located on a tree-lined residential road and sit around a pretty, landscaped central courtyard. Inside, the properties feature open-plan living spaces that lead to a private balcony, contemporary kitchens, and large, oor-to-ceiling windows. The High Road, for cafes, shops and foodie pubs, is a short walk away, as is the Zone 4 underground station offering tube services to London Euston in 26 minutes.
Occupying the site of the former Nestle chocolate factory in Hayes, these new homes offer a great chance for rst time buyers to buy in a peaceful yet convenient location. The one, two and three bedroom apartments are just a 10-minute walk from Hayes & Harlington station, for tube services to central London in less than 30 minutes. The development will eventually house more than 1,300 new homes, providing extensive green space that will run alongside the canal and include communal gardens and children’s play areas.
*Based on a 30% share of the full market value of £350,000
THE NEXT STEP
“We’re keen to take a good look around the area and the development. From what we’ve discovered so far, Cassia ticks all our boxes and we’re very excited to proceed. We have our mortgage offered in principle, so we’ll be speaking with Newlon next to have our affordability assessed.”
soresi.co.uk
lqhomes.com
*Shared ownership available
*Based on a 25% share of the full market value of £400,000
We hadn’t heard of Oakwood before – but we know some of the nearby areas such as Cockfosters and Southgate – and we really like them. Having done some research, it seems like a hidden north London gem, which we’re pretty excited about. The transport links to central London look great for us – there’s a choice of tube stations within walking distance. And there’s a lot of green space; Trent Park is huge and will be great for jogging and summer walks. The development itself is very stylish, and we like the landscaped gardens and off-street parking.”
My aunt lived in Whetstone when I was growing up and I have many fond memories of this and the surrounding areas. The area has seen some big changes, with some lovely new developments. There’s also a lot of history and plenty of beautiful period properties in the area, along with some great places to visit in nearby Barnet and North Finchley. We love that the homes sit on a tree- lined, residential street – so a nice, peaceful escape from the bustling city, which is just what we’re after.”
Hayes has never really been on our radar before – we have never even been there, but it certainly looks like it’s worth exploring. It seems like a great location for young professionals like us who are looking to work in the city but who also crave some green space. There’s an Elizabeth Line underground station close by, so the commute into central London would be super easy. There’s also the canal and some lovely leafy walks on the doorstep, which would be the rst thing we’d like to check out!”
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First Time Buyer April/May 2024
ADVICE
Kevin Sims is the Sales & Marketing Director at SO Resi and has over 35 years of experience in the property industry. SO Resi is one of the country’s leading shared ownership specialists with the aim of making homeownership possible through affordable housing. With such diverse experience in all things new build homes and now specialising in shared ownership, Kevin is on a journey to help as many people on to the property ladder as possible in 2024 Q My partner and I (both 24) are finally looking to move out this year.We
Kevin Sims, Sales & Marketing Director, SO Resi
If London is a place you aim to stay in the long term too, staircasing is a brilliant way to continue along the journey to full homeownership. It’s possible to buy shares at any time, but at SO Resi we offer the SO Resi Plus scheme, which was pioneered by us and has now been rolled out nationally. The SO Resi Plus scheme allows buyers to staircase at a gradual pace by purchasing an additional 1% share each year, which can be done at the touch of a button with no solicitors needed, making the ultimate goal of homeownership that little bit more achievable. Knowing this benefit is available to you throughout your journey should give you peace of mind, and a purchase of as little as 1% can make a world of difference in the long term!
available across the capital at different price points.The scheme will allow you to buy a percentage share which you’ll pay a mortgage on, with the remainder being paid on below- market rent, and then service charges too. A lot of people are looking to avoid the rental trap with rents rising the fastest in London, but would never be able to afford to buy on the open market. One of the biggest benefits of shared ownership is that deposits are often considerably lower than buying on the open market.This is because you put a deposit down on the share that you’re buying (for example 25%), rather than the value of the whole property.As an example, at our SO Resi Hendon Waterside development, a 5% deposit of a 25% share of a one bedroom property could be as low as £4,129.
currently both live with parents in London but are looking to avoid renting due to the rising costs and are afraid that once we start renting, we may never be able to get out of it.We really want to stay in the city as this is where we have grown up and both have all our friends, family and jobs here. Could you offer some advice on how we may be able to build a life here, despite the costs? A It is no secret that London has become a place where a range of buyers are being priced out – especially first time buyers. It does sound, however, as if you and your partner could benefit from shared ownership in London, and there are plenty of schemes
Having launched in January 2024, SO Resi One Nine Elms offers 57 shared ownership
homes in the heart of Wandsworth. This includes a range of one and two bedroom apartments with prices starting from £158,750 for a 25% share.
Located in London’s tallest residential building, all apartments provide sleek and stylish living, with open-plan main rooms and some homes with river views and private winter gardens. Internally, each property comes complete with integrated Bosch appliances and carefully considered living areas to maximise space. All residents will also have access to the panoramic viewpoint on the 58th oor of the building, which offers stunning views over central London and the River Thames. The surrounding area also offers a host of fun things to do for a range of buyers, with excellent transport links too, including: The Grade II listed Battersea Power Station is a 10-minute walk away, boasting a range of shops and eateries. Green open space is also plentiful, with residents spoilt for choice with Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, Pedlar’s Park and Battersea Park. Sandwiched between two Zone One underground stations of Vauxhall and Nine Elms serving the Northern Line and the Victoria Line, commuters are truly spoilt for choice with options to get into the City of London. An excellent network of buses also serves the surrounding area, with a plethora of new cycle lanes and pedestrian footpaths for journeys on foot, including a new footbridge over the River Thames.
For more information, please visit: soresi.co.uk
*Based on a 25% share with a full market value of £635,000
18 First Time Buyer June/July 2018 April/May 2024
THE VIEW
A COUNTRY GIRL AT HEART
Rosaline Darlington is best-known for being on the most recent series of Married at First Sight on E4. But away from the glitz and glamour of the show, she works as a florist and runs her own businesses, Rosaline’s Flowers and The Flower Paddock. She talks to Lynda Clark about her very
interesting life, buying her own home at 21, and gives some sound advice for first time buyers Photos: iproductions
20 First Time Buyer December 2021/January 2022
20 First Time Buyer April/May 2024
THE VIEW
"I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN A SAVER AS WELL SO IT MADE SENSE TO INVEST IN A HOME OF MY OWN"
First Time Buyer April/May 2024 21
THE VIEW
"REALISTICALLY YOU NEED TO LIVE AND PAY THE BILLS AND I THINK A SPREADSHEET REALLY HELPS YOU FOCUS ON YOUR FINANCES"
"I AM ALWAYS THINKING UP NEW WAYS TO GROW THE BUSINESS AND LOOKING AHEAD TO WHAT I CAN DO EACH SEASON"
22 First Time Buyer April/May 2024
THE VIEW
R ozz, as she likes to be called, is very bubbly with a wonderful infectious attitude towards life and a great sense of humour. Talking to her I immediately felt I had known her all my life and I was carried away with her wonderful positive attitude towards everything. Her parents ran a dairy farm near Crewe and she is their middle daughter and all three girls are very close. She said, “I was so fortunate to grow up on a farm, I am very free spirited and loved running around the farm and being outside as much as possible. My passion is horse riding and my youngest sister, Millie, and I would spend hours riding together. We were lucky enough to have our own ponies and as we grew up we had horses. My absolute favourite horse was Tango who sadly died not long ago and we now have two Shetland ponies called Didi and Inka.We are having a little break from riding now as we are all so busy and Millie has a family, which takes up all her time, but it is my true passion.When I was about five, my dad decided to sell the farm and turn it into a business park so he sold all the livestock. They still live there though and all my family are nearby as we are very close.” At school Rozz wasn’t the most academic as she always enjoyed being outside and not in the classroom, but she passed her exams and went to college to study childcare. “I completed the course and then became a nanny, which I really enjoyed. It was fun and I was able to take the children out and about, which suited me very well as it wasn’t a job where I was sitting inside all day. I then realised that because I love nature and the outdoors, gardening and flowers were very important to me. The mother of the children I looked after, who was a doctor, used to teach me all the names of the flowers in the garden. It was nature and nurture I suppose and was like a little escape. My interest in flowers must be in my family as my grandmother has won awards for her flowers.” She completed her City and Guilds Level 3 Floristry at Reaseheath College and set up her business, Rosaline’s Flowers. “I sat with my family around the kitchen table and the idea came to me that I should start a business in the thing I loved, which is inspired by the colours and textures found in natural and floral landscapes.” She works out of a unit on the converted family farm and has a website offering everything from wedding bouquets and funeral tributes to Valentine's Day and birthday flowers and the now very trendy jam jar flowers. She also runs wreath-making courses that are very popular, and sells seed packets, which include three packs of seeds, instruction cards, compost and much more. There are also subscriptions people can take out to receive flowers regularly, which again is proving very popular. “I am always thinking up new ways to grow the business and looking ahead to what I can do each season. It’s always very exciting and it doesn’t feel like work!” During 2020 and 2021, when the UK was in the midst of the pandemic, Rozz decided to plant a flower paddock. “I love growing my own flowers from seeds and watching them flourish and then using them for Rosaline’s Flowers.” The Flower Paddock has been a real success story and she says, “I love delphiniums, dahlias, cosmos, peonies, sweetpeas and sunflowers
to name a few. I have learnt to grow the plants from seed, when to harvest the flowers and how to manage the plants in all types of weather conditions. I now run classes and open days there, which are great fun!” When she was just 21, her older sister Charlotte, who lives near to the family home, decided to sell her house as she was having a baby and needed more space. Rozz made the big decision to buy the house having been left some money from her grandfather which helped with her deposit. “I have always been a saver as well so it made sense to invest in a home of my own. It is a lovely house – detached on a corner plot so the garden goes all the way round the house. It has three bedrooms and I live there with my three dogs, Willow, Maple and Honey. I have had some work done on it to make it my own and I really love living here.” She decided to apply to go on the TV show Married at First Sight and explains, “I had broken up with my boyfriend and my wonderful horse, Tango, had died so I was at a rather low point of my life. It was probably an escape but I never imagined I would get chosen. I was probably a little naive but I quickly learnt that my skin was thicker than I thought and I had to be robust and believe in myself. “I had great support from the public and the rest of the cast and I actually gained thousands of followers and have a big fan base. I have about 181,000 personal followers and 13,000 on Rosaline’s Flowers and 6,000 on The Flower Paddock. I think the main thing is that when I was on the show I was always honest, respectful and transparent, which are all very important to me. I was away filming the series for three months and my parents were very supportive and looked after the dogs for me and my business, so I was very lucky.” At 28, Rozz has already done so much and has some exciting plans in the pipeline. She would like to do some more work in television but she is passionate about floristry and the great outdoors. “There is nothing I enjoy more than taking the dogs for a walk and meeting up with friends. I would like to get married one day and have children and build a family but I am living in the moment and I am free to go down whichever path I choose.” She has some great advice for first time buyers and said, “Keep a spreadsheet of your income and outgoings. It really helps and you can forecast how much you can save and what you can afford. Realistically you need to live and pay the bills and I think a spreadsheet really helps you focus on your finances. I am also always aware that things can sometimes suddenly go wrong – like the boiler needs attention – so I like to make sure I have a contingency fund to pay for any emergencies.” Rozz is a very special person and so full of enthusiasm and truly has a positive outlook on everything she does. It was time to take her dogs for a walk and I wished I could have joined her and spent some time in the beautiful countryside where she lives – in my opinion she has an idyllic life and one that I am rather jealous of!
rosalines.co.uk theflowerpaddock.co.uk Instagram: @rozzdarlington
First Time Buyer April/May 2024 23
REGENERATION
LOCATION REGENERATION
When it comes to buying your first home, a desirable location takes priority for most. But what if your budget simply doesn’t stretch to the area you would love to live in? Should you compromise on square footage? Settle on a home in desperate need of modernisation? Or invest in an area of "regeneration"? Debbie Clark takes a look at what this buzzword means in reality, and takes a whistlestop tour of some current regeneration hotspots
develop affordable homes and open green spaces. Investing in an “up-and-coming” area sounds like a no-brainer, but how can you be confident that those ambitious plans will come to fruition? We recommend taking a closer look at the regeneration plans for areas local to your preferred locations, which can typically be found though a quick internet search. These will give you a good idea as to the scale of investment. Next, visit and see for yourself what has already been achieved in the locality. Finally, take a look at who is already investing – developers with a proven track record for providing high-quality homes only put their resources into projects they are confident will deliver a return. All looking good? Take a leap of faith – then you can benefit from that return too!
Regeneration typically involves the investment of public money, with the support of private investors, into areas identified as being in need of lasting improvement. Some of the best-known examples include the construction of the Millennium Dome and the creation of the 2012 Olympic Park, but the reality is that regeneration is all around us. Successful regeneration projects will always be designed with sustainability in mind, and will have positive economic, social and environmental impacts on an area, improving the quality of life for all residents. Local regeneration efforts typically include improving transport and infrastructure, providing access to high-quality facilities focused on health and wellbeing, and land renewal to
24 First Time Buyer April/May 2024
REGENERATION
COLINDALE
Colindale is one of the largest growth and regeneration areas in the Delivering for Barnet programme, offering substantial
but sustainable housing growth and a new compact neighbourhood centre. The area will benefit from improved public
transport services, with improved bus links and significant improvements to Colindale underground station, including the provision of step-free access. There will also be a new pedestrian/ cycle bridge linking Montrose Park to the hospital site and tube station and improvements to key junctions and roads. Colindale’s regeneration programme will deliver 10,170 new homes across various sites and a new Neighbourhood Hub comprising health, children's and community facilities. The project also promises high-quality public open spaces including a Youth Zone in Montrose Playing Field.
Heybourne Park
There is an initial release of 149 shared ownership homes at this development, conveniently located just a 15-minute walk from Colindale underground station and surrounded by green, open spaces. Apartments include high-quality, contemporary interiors with versatile kitchen space, integrated appliances and wood-effect ooring through the spacious kitchen and living areas. All two bedroom homes at the development feature two bathrooms, including an en suite, and parking is also available on selected two bedroom properties. Residents will also bene t from the library, cafe and supermarket at Heybourne Park.
Barking Riverside
L&Q has released a new collection of 15 one, two and three bedroom shared ownership apartments at the freshly transformed site of a former power station. Every
nhghomes.com/developments/heybourne-park 020 4579 6251
*Based on a 25% share of the full market value of £352,500
home will be nished to a stylish, contemporary speci cation, with a garden, balcony or terrace. The development is well connected, served by Overground, underground and Thames Clipper services. The neighbourhood is home to an array of play spaces and outdoor areas, including a Wildlife and Wellbeing Trail, and was recognised at the Inside Housing Development Awards 2023, winning “Best Partnership – 100+ homes”. New launches coming soon.
lqhomes.com/barkingriverside 020 8617 1747
*Based on a 25% share of the full market value of £270,000
Abbey Quay
Weston Homes presents this six-acre riverside urban village in Barking, with schemes including its First- time SecureBuy (FTSB) offer, which can be used with
BARKING The area’s most significant development is Barking Riverside, a collaborative project of epic proportions. The infrastructure includes new homes, an Overground station and Uber Boat by Thames Clippers pier, seven new schools and a network of footpaths and cycleways. Residents will enjoy direct river access and plenty of open space and sports pitches. The Masterplan includes the creation of distinct neighbourhoods. Delivered by Barking Riverside Limited (BRL), a joint venture between L&Q and the Mayor of London, in partnership with stakeholders and local people, Barking Riverside is proud to be "Barking Made". Already recognised as one of the top 12 best places to buy a first home in the UK by The Times , it is set to be an area enjoyed for generations to come.
the Discount Market Sale (DMS) scheme. The collection of 1,089 one, two and three bedroom apartments, each with a private balcony or terrace, are set in contemporary buildings ranging from seven to 29 storeys. All homes offer a premium speci cation. The kitchens have quartz worktops and splashbacks, a range of integrated appliances and instant boiling and cold ltered water facility. Phase one is sold out, with this phase set to be as popular.
weston-homes.com/abbey-quay/ 020 4502 3079
First Time Buyer April/May 2024 25
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